Endoscopic surgical device and guide device

ABSTRACT

Provided are an endoscopic surgical device and a guide device that can satisfy the function of interlocking two medical instruments with each other. An overtube, which is punctured into a body wall and guides an endoscope and a treatment tool into a body cavity, includes an interlocking member that interlocks the forward and backward movements of the endoscope and the treatment tool with each other. The interlocking member is constituted of a first sleeve coupled to the endoscope, a second sleeve coupled to the treatment tool, and a corded flexible coupling member that couples the first sleeve and the second sleeve together. Accordingly, when the coupling member is in a relaxed state, the endoscope and the treatment tool independently move forward and backward, and when the coupling member is in a tensioned state, the endoscope and the treatment tool move forward and backward in an interlocking manner.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of PCT International Application No. PCT/JP2016/069922 filed on Jul. 5, 2016, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-150827 filed on Jul. 30, 2015. Each of the above applications is hereby expressly incorporated by reference, in their entirety, into the present application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an endoscopic surgical device and a guide device, and particularly, to an endoscopic surgical device and a guide device that interlock an endoscope and a treatment tool with each other.

2. Description of the Related Art

A laparoscope is known as an endoscope instrument to be inserted into an abdominal cavity from the body surface skin. Surgery (laparoscopic surgery) using this laparoscope has been prevalent in may surgeries in recent years because a surgical wound is smaller compared to abdominal surgery, open-chest surgery, or the like and a bedtime period after surgery be shortened.

Generally, in the laparoscopic surgery (for example, laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgery or the like), a surgeon who performs a treatment and an endoscopic technician who performs the operation of the laparoscope are present, and treatment and the operation of the laparoscope are separately performed. For this reason, during surgery, the surgeon performs the treatment while serially gives instructions to the endoscopic technician such that an optimal image for performing the treatment is obtained.

However, in a system in which the surgeon gives instructions to the endoscopic technician, there is a problem that it is difficult to obtain an image the surgeon desires truly and the surgeon is stressed. Additionally, since the endoscopic technician operates after a surgeon gives an instruction, there is also a problem that the operation takes substantial time. Moreover, since a surgeon's hand and an endoscopic technician's hand may interfere with each other on a patient's abdominal wall, there is also a problem that the operation becomes complicated.

In contrast, the applicant of the present application has suggested a technique of interlocking an endoscope and a treatment tool in a state where the endoscope and the treatment tool are inserted into an overtube (for example, refer to WO2015/033909A).

According to this technique, since the endoscope moves forward and backward with play with respect to the forward and backward movement of the treatment tool, it is possible to prevent the size of a target to be observed from fluctuating unnecessarily in a case where the treatment tool is minutely displaced in the axial direction, a sense of perspective can be suitably maintained, and a stable observation image can be provided.

Additionally, in a case where the treatment tool is largely displaced in the axial direction, the range of an observation image that is obtained by the endoscope in an interlocking manner with the large displacement is changed. Thus, the size of a target to be observed changes according to the operation of the treatment tool, and it is possible for the surgeon to simply obtain a desired image, and the operability is improved.

Hence, the surgeon can easily obtain a desired image with a simple operation without increasing a burden on the surgeon.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Meanwhile, in the overtube, cost reduction and simplification of the configuration are major issues. Particularly, it is desired that the function of interlocking the endoscope and the treatment tool with each other is satisfied and cost reduction and simplification of the configuration is achieved.

The invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an endoscopic surgical device and a guide device that can satisfy the function of interlocking two medical instruments with each other in an overtube and can achieve cost reduction and simplification of the configuration.

In order to achieve the above object, an endoscopic surgical device according to an aspect of the invention comprises a first medical instrument having a first insertion part; a second medical instrument having a second insertion part; a tubular overtube allowing the first insertion part and the second insertion part to be inserted therethrough and guiding the first insertion part and the second insertion part into a body cavity; a first holding part that is disposed inside the overtube, holds the first insertion part inserted through the inside of the overtube, and moves in an axial direction of the overtube in a state where the first insertion part is held; a second holding part that is disposed inside the overtube, holds the second insertion part inserted through the inside of the overtube, and moves in the axial direction of the overtube in a state where the second insertion part is held; and a coupling member that has a first fixing part fixed to the first holding part and a second fixing part fixed to the second holding part, changes between a relaxed state and a tensioned state depending on a change in relative positions of the first holding part and the second holding part, is brought into a non-interlocked state where the first holding part and the second holding part move independently when the coupling member is in the relaxed state, and is brought into an interlocked state where either the first holding part or the second holding part moves in an interlocking manner with the movement of the other in the tensioned state.

According to the present aspect, since the two medical instruments can be inserted into the body cavity via one overtube, and a body wall can be punctured in one site. Therefore, low-invasive surgery (a burden on the body is little) can be performed.

Additionally, the first medical instrument held by the first holding part and the second medical instrument held by the second holding part can be independently moved in the axial direction when the coupling member is in the relaxed state, and can be moved in an interlocking manner when the coupling member is in the tensioned state. Hence, the first medical instrument and the second medical instrument can be interlocked with each other with “play”.

Accordingly, one surgeon can simultaneously perform the forward and backward movement operation of the two medical instruments with his/her single hand, and unnecessary follow-up of one medical instrument with respect to axial minute displacement (a small amplitude of forward and backward movement operation) of the other medical instrument can be prevented. For example, in a case where the first medical instrument is an endoscope, the visual field (imaging region) of the endoscope can be made to follow a treatment portion in the second medical instrument, and the surgeon can always be provided with an optimal image for treatment (the surgeon can display a desired image without stress). Meanwhile, since the endoscope is not displaced with respect to the axial minute displacement of the second medical instrument, a screen for an image captured by the endoscope can be prevented from shaking, and it is possible to provide an image that is easy for the surgeon to see.

Additionally, since a configuration for interlocking the first holding part and the second holding part with each other is a simple configuration in which the first holding part and the second holding part are coupled together by the coupling member that changes between the relaxed state and the tensioned state, cost reduction and simplification of the configuration can be achieved.

Additionally, in order to achieve the above object, in an endoscopic surgical device according to another aspect of the invention, it is possible to adopt an aspect comprising a first medical instrument having a first insertion part; a second medical instrument having a second insertion part; a tubular overtube allowing the first insertion part and the second insertion part to be inserted therethrough and guiding the first insertion part and the second insertion part into a body cavity; a first holding part that is disposed inside the overtube, holds the first insertion part inserted through the inside of the overtube, and moves in an axial direction of the overtube in a state where the first insertion part is held; a second holding part that is disposed inside the overtube, holds the second insertion part inserted through the inside of the overtube, and moves in the axial direction of the overtube in a state where the second insertion part is held; and a coupling member that has a first fixing part fixed to the first holding part and a second fixing part fixed to the second holding part, has a slack part between the first fixing part and the second fixing part, and gives a tensile force to between the first fixing part and the second fixing part when relative positions of the first fixing part and the second fixing part change and the slack part is stretched.

According to the present aspect, since the two medical instruments can be inserted into the body cavity via one overtube, and a body wall can be punctured in one site. Therefore, low-invasive surgery can be performed.

Additionally, the first medical instrument held by the first holding part and the second medical instrument held by the second holding part can be independently moved in the axial direction when the slack part of the coupling member is in the slacked state, and can be moved in an interlocking manner when the slack part is in the stretched state. Hence, the first medical instrument and the second medical instrument can be interlocked with each other with “play”. In addition, in the present specification, the term “stretched” includes the meaning that a curved object is straightened.

Accordingly, one surgeon can simultaneously perform the forward and backward movement operation of the two medical instruments with his/her single hand, and unnecessary follow-up of one medical instrument with respect to axial minute displacement (a small amplitude of forward and backward movement operation) of the other medical instrument can be prevented. For example, in a case where the first medical instrument is an endoscope, the visual field (imaging region) of the endoscope can be made to follow a treatment portion in the second medical instrument, and the surgeon can always be provided with an optimal image for treatment (the surgeon can display a desired image without stress). Meanwhile, since the endoscope is not displaced with respect to the axial minute displacement of the second medical instrument, a screen for an image captured by the endoscope can be prevented from shaking, and it is possible to provide an image that is easy for the surgeon to see.

Additionally, since a configuration for interlocking the first holding part and the second holding part with each other is a simple configuration in which the first holding part and the second holding part are coupled together by the coupling member having the slack part, cost reduction and simplification of the configuration can be achieved.

In the endoscopic surgical device related to the other aspect of the invention, it is possible to adopt an aspect in which the coupling member is a flexible member.

In the endoscopic surgical device related to still another aspect of the invention, it is possible to adopt an aspect in which the flexible member is a corded or beltlike member.

In the endoscopic surgical device related to a still further aspect of the invention, it is possible to adopt an aspect in which the first medical instrument is an endoscope in which an observation part is provided at a distal end of the first insertion part, and the second medical instrument is a treatment tool in which a treatment part is provided at a distal end of the second insertion part.

Additionally, in order to achieve the above object, an endoscopic surgical device according to a still further aspect of the invention comprises a first medical instrument having a first insertion part; a second medical instrument having a second insertion part; a tubular overtube allowing the first insertion part and the second insertion part to be inserted therethrough and guiding the first insertion part and the second insertion part into a body cavity; a first holding part that is disposed inside the overtube, holds the first insertion part inserted through the inside of the overtube, and moves in an axial direction of the overtube in a state where the first insertion part is held; a second holding part that is disposed inside the overtube, holds the second insertion part inserted through the inside of the overtube, and moves in the axial direction of the overtube in a state where the second insertion part is held; and a coupling member which has a first fixing part fixed to the first holding part and a second fixing part fixed to the second holding part and of which a length from the first fixing part to the second fixing part is longer than a shortest distance between the first insertion part and the second insertion part inside the overtube and is shorter than an axial length of the overtube.

According to the present aspect, since the two medical instruments can be inserted into the body cavity via one overtube, and a body wall can be punctured in one site. Therefore, low-invasive surgery can be performed.

Additionally, the first medical instrument held by the first holding part and the second medical instrument held by the second holding part can be interlocked with each other with “play” by the coupling member.

Accordingly, one surgeon can simultaneously perform the forward and backward movement operation of the two medical instruments with his/her single hand, and unnecessary follow-up of one medical instrument with respect to axial minute displacement (a small amplitude of forward and backward movement operation) of the other medical instrument can be prevented. For example, in a case where the first medical instrument is an endoscope, the visual field (imaging region) of the endoscope can be made to follow a treatment portion in the second medical instrument, and the surgeon can always be provided with an optimal image for treatment (the surgeon can display a desired image without stress). Meanwhile, since the endoscope is not displaced with respect to the axial minute displacement of the second medical instrument, a screen for an image captured by the endoscope can be prevented from shaking, and it is possible to provide an image that is easy for the surgeon to see.

Additionally, since a configuration for interlocking the first holding part and the second holding part with each other is a simple configuration in which the first holding part and the second holding part are coupled together by the coupling member, cost reduction and simplification of the configuration can be achieved.

Additionally, in order to achieve the above object, a guide device according to a still further aspect of the invention comprises a tubular overtube having a first insertion part of a first medical instrument and a second insertion part of a second medical instrument inserted therethrough and guiding the first insertion part and the second insertion part into a body cavity; a first holding part that is disposed inside the overtube, holds the first insertion part inserted through the inside of the overtube, and moves in an axial direction of the overtube in a state where the first insertion part is held; a second holding part that is disposed inside the overtube, holds the second insertion part inserted through the inside of the overtube, and moves in the axial direction of the overtube in a state where the second insertion part is held; and a coupling member that has a first fixing part fixed to the first holding part and a second fixing part fixed to the second holding part, changes between a relaxed state and a tensioned state depending on a change in relative positions of the first holding part and the second holding part, is brought into a non-interlocked state where the first holding part and the second holding part move independently when the coupling member is in the relaxed state, and is brought into an interlocked state where either the first holding part or the second holding part moves in an interlocking manner with the movement of the other in the tensioned state.

According to the present aspect, since the two medical instruments can be inserted into the body cavity via one overtube, and a body wall can be punctured in one site. Therefore, low-invasive (a burden on the body is little) surgery can be performed.

Additionally, the first medical instrument held by the first holding part and the second medical instrument held by the second holding part can be independently moved in the axial direction when the coupling member is in the relaxed state, and can be moved in an interlocking manner when the coupling member is in the tensioned state. Hence, the first medical instrument and the second medical instrument can be interlocked with each other with “play”.

Accordingly, one surgeon can simultaneously perform the forward and backward movement operation of the two medical instruments with his/her single hand, and unnecessary follow-up of one medical instrument with respect to axial minute displacement (a small amplitude of forward and backward movement operation) of the other medical instrument can be prevented. For example, in a case where the first medical instrument is an endoscope, the visual field (imaging region) of the endoscope can be made to follow a treatment portion in the second medical instrument, and the surgeon can always be provided with an optimal image for treatment (the surgeon can display a desired image without stress). Meanwhile, since the endoscope is not displaced with respect to the axial minute displacement of the second medical instrument, a screen for an image captured by the endoscope can be prevented from shaking, and it is possible to provide an image that is easy for the surgeon to see.

Additionally, since a configuration for interlocking the first holding part and the second holding part with each other is a simple configuration in which the first holding part and the second holding part are coupled together by the coupling member that changes between the relaxed state and the tensioned state, cost reduction and simplification of the configuration can be achieved.

Additionally, in order to achieve the above object, a guide device according to a still further aspect of the invention comprises a tubular overtube having a first insertion part of a first medical instrument and a second insertion part of a second medical instrument inserted therethrough and guiding the first insertion part and the second insertion part into a body cavity; a first holding part that is disposed inside the overtube, holds the first insertion part inserted through the inside of the overtube, and moves in an axial direction of the overtube in a state where the first insertion part is held; a second holding part that is disposed inside the overtube, holds the second insertion part inserted through the inside of the overtube, and moves in the axial direction of the overtube in a state where the second insertion part is held; and a coupling member that has a first fixing part fixed to the first holding part and a second fixing part fixed to the second holding part, has a slack part between the first fixing part and the second fixing part, and gives a tensile force to between the first fixing part and the second fixing part when relative positions of the first fixing part and the second fixing part change and the slack part is stretched.

According to the present aspect, since the two medical instruments can be inserted into the body cavity via one overtube, and a body wall can be punctured in one site. Therefore, low-invasive surgery can be performed.

Additionally, the first medical instrument held by the first holding part and the second medical instrument held by the second holding part can be independently moved in the axial direction when the slack part of the coupling member is in the slacked state, and can be moved in an interlocking manner when the slack part is in the stretched state. Hence, the first medical instrument and the second medical instrument can be interlocked with each other with “play”.

Accordingly, one surgeon can simultaneously perform the forward and backward movement operation of the two medical instruments with his/her single hand, and unnecessary follow-up of one medical instrument with respect to axial minute displacement (a small amplitude of forward and backward movement operation) of the other medical instrument can be prevented. For example, in a case where the first medical instrument is an endoscope, the visual field (imaging region) of the endoscope can be made to follow a treatment portion in the second medical instrument, and the surgeon can always be provided with an optimal image for treatment (the surgeon can display a desired image without stress). Meanwhile, since the endoscope is not displaced with respect to the axial minute displacement of the second medical instrument, a screen for an image captured by the endoscope can be prevented from shaking, and it is possible to provide an image that is easy for the surgeon to see.

Additionally, since a configuration for interlocking the first holding part and the second holding part with each other is a simple configuration in which the first holding part and the second holding part are coupled together by the coupling member having the slack part, cost reduction and simplification of the configuration can be achieved.

Additionally, in order to achieve the above object, a guide device according to a still further aspect of the invention comprises a tubular overtube having a first insertion part of a first medical instrument and a second insertion part of a second medical instrument inserted therethrough and guiding the first insertion part and the second insertion part into a body cavity; a first holding part that is disposed inside the overtube, holds the first insertion part inserted through the inside of the overtube, and moves in an axial direction of the overtube in a state where the first insertion part is held; a second holding part that is disposed inside the overtube, holds the second insertion part inserted through the inside of the overtube, and moves in the axial direction of the overtube in a state where the second insertion part is held; and a coupling member which has a first fixing part fixed to the first holding part and a second fixing part fixed to the second holding part and of which a length from the first fixing part to the second fixing part is longer than a shortest distance between the first insertion part and the second insertion part inside the overtube and is shorter than an axial length of the overtube.

According to the present aspect, since the two medical instruments can be inserted into the body cavity via one overtube, and a body wall can be punctured in one site. Therefore, low-invasive surgery can be performed.

Additionally, the first medical instrument held by the first holding part and the second medical instrument held by the second holding part can be interlocked with each other with “play” by the coupling member.

Accordingly, one surgeon can simultaneously perform the forward and backward movement operation of the two medical instruments with his/her single hand, and unnecessary follow-up of one medical instrument with respect to axial minute displacement (a small amplitude of forward and backward movement operation) of the other medical instrument can be prevented. For example, in a case where the first medical instrument is an endoscope, the visual field (imaging region) of the endoscope can be made to follow a treatment portion in the second medical instrument, and the surgeon can always be provided with an optimal image for treatment (the surgeon can display a desired image without stress). Meanwhile, since the endoscope is not displaced with respect to the axial minute displacement of the second medical instrument, a screen for an image captured by the endoscope can be prevented from shaking, and it is possible to provide an image that is easy for the surgeon to see.

Additionally, since a configuration for interlocking the first holding part and the second holding part with each other is a simple configuration in which the first holding part and the second holding part are coupled together by the coupling member, cost reduction and simplification of the configuration can be achieved.

According to the invention, the function of interlocking two medical instruments with each other in an overtube can be satisfied and cost reduction and simplification of the configuration can be achieved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration view of an endoscopic surgical device related to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a distal end surface of an endoscope insertion part.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view illustrating an overtube.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a reference form that is a reference for the embodiment of the invention with respect to the internal structure of the overtube.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of FIG. 4 in an enlarged manner.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view when viewed from arrow VI-VI in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a slider (interlocking member) in the reference form of FIG. 4 from the rear upper left side.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the slider (interlocking member) in the reference form of FIG. 4 from the rear upper right side.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view used for the description of the working of the slider (interlocking member) in the reference form of FIG. 4.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view used for the description of the working of the slider (interlocking member) in the reference form of FIG. 4.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view used for the description of the working of the slider (interlocking member) in the reference form of FIG. 4.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view illustrating the aspect of the operation when performing treatment of a diseased site within a patient's body cavity using the endoscopic surgical device, portion (A) illustrates a pre-operation state, portion (B) illustrates a state where a treatment tool insertion part is operated forward in a non-sensing region, and portion (C) illustrates a state where the treatment tool insertion part is operated backward in the non-sensing region.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view illustrating the aspect of the operation when performing treatment of a diseased site within a patient's body cavity using the endoscopic surgical device, portion (A) illustrates a pre-operation state, portion (B) illustrates a state where a treatment tool insertion part is operated forward in a sensing region, and portion (C) illustrates a state where the treatment tool insertion part is operated backward in the sensing region.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of an interlocking member of the embodiment of the invention in a cross section of the overtube cut along a reference axis.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view illustrating a peripheral part of the interlocking member in FIG. 14 in an enlarged manner.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view when viewed from arrow XVI-XVI in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory view used for the description of the working of the interlocking member of the embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory view used for the description of the working of the interlocking member of the embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory view used for the description of the working of the interlocking member of the embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 20 is a view illustrating another embodiment of a coupling member in the interlocking member of the embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 21 is a view illustrating another embodiment of a first sleeve in the interlocking member of the embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described below in detail according to the accompanying drawings. In addition, any of the drawings may illustrate main parts in an exaggerated manner for description, and may have dimensions different from actual dimensions.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration view of an endoscopic surgical device related to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, an endoscopic surgical device 10 includes an endoscope 100 that observes the inside of a patient's body cavity as one form of a first medical instrument, a treatment tool 200 for examining or treating a diseased site within the patient's body cavity as one form of a second medical instrument, and an overtube 300 as a guide device that is inserted into a body wall and guides the endoscope 100 and the treatment tool 200 into the body cavity. In addition, the first medical instrument and the second medical instrument that is guided into the body cavity by the overtube 300 are not limited to specific types of medical instruments, and in a case where the first medical instrument having a first insertion part to be inserted into the body cavity and the second medical instrument having a second insertion part to be inserted into the body cavity are provided, arbitrary types of medical instruments can be adopted.

The endoscope 100 is, for example, a hard endoscope, such as a laparoscope, and includes an insertion part 102 (hereinafter referred to as “endoscope insertion part 102”) that is inserted into the body cavity and has an outer peripheral part surrounded by an elongated hard tubular body, and a cable part 104 that is provided continuously with a proximal end side of the endoscope insertion part 102 and that has an outer peripheral part surrounded by an elongated flexible tubular body.

The cable part 104 indicates a flexible cable portion in which a wire rod, such as a cable or a light guide, which extends from a proximal end of the endoscope insertion part 102, is housed by covering the wire rod with, for example, a flexible insulating member, such as polyvinyl chloride.

A connector (not illustrated) is provided at an end of the cable part 104 on its extension destination, and each of a processor device 108 that is a control device and a light source device 110 is detachably connected to the cable part via the connector. Additionally, the processor device 108 is connected to a monitor 112 via a cable.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, a distal end surface 114 of the endoscope insertion part 102 is provided with an observation window 116 and illumination windows 118 and 118.

The observation window 116 is a constituent element of an observation part of the endoscope 100, and an objective lens of an observation optical system, and a solid image pickup element, such as a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, which is disposed at an image pickup position of the objective lens, are disposed behind the observation window 116. A signal cable (not illustrated) connected to this solid image pickup element is inserted through the endoscope insertion part 102 and the cable part 104 of FIG. 1, is provided to extend up to the connector (not illustrated), and is connected to the processor device 108. An observation image picked up from the observation window 116 is formed on a light-receiving surface of the image pickup element, and is converted into electrical signals (image pickup signals), and the electrical signals are output to the processor device 108 via the signal cable and are converted into video signals. Then, the video signals are output to the monitor 112 connected to the processor device 108, and the observation image (endoscopic image) is displayed on a screen of the monitor 112.

An exit end of the light guide (not illustrated) is disposed behind the illumination windows 118 and 118 of FIG. 2. The light guide is inserted through the endoscope insertion part 102 and the cable part 104 of FIG. 1 and has an incident end disposed within the connector (not illustrated). Hence, by coupling the connector to the light source device 110, the illumination light radiated from the light source device 110 is transmitted to the illumination windows 118 and 118 via the light guide, and is radiated forward from the illumination windows 118 and 118. In addition, in FIG. 2, the two illumination windows 118 and 118 are disposed on the distal end surface 114 of the endoscope insertion part 102. However, the number of illumination windows 118 is not limited, and the number thereof may be one or may be three or more.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the treatment tool 200 consists of, for example, forceps, and includes an elongated insertion part 202 (hereinafter referred to as a “treatment tool insertion part (202)”) that is inserted into the body cavity, an operating part 204 that is provided on the proximal end side of the treatment tool insertion part 202 and is gripped by a surgeon, and a treatment part 206 that is provided on a distal end side of the treatment tool insertion part 202 and is operable by the operation of the operating part 204.

The treatment tool insertion part 202 is provided with a tubular sheath 208, and an operating shaft (not illustrated) that is inserted into the sheath 208 so as to be movable in the direction of an axial center. Moreover, the operating part 204 is provided with a fixed handle 210, and a movable handle 214 that is coupled to the fixed handle 210 in a rotationally movable manner via a rotational movement pin. A proximal end part of the operating shaft is coupled to the movable handle 214.

The treatment part 206 is provided with a pair of gripping members that is openable and closable. The gripping members are coupled to a distal end part of the operating shaft via a driving mechanism (not illustrated). With the rotational movement operation of the movable handle 214 of the operating part 204, the gripping members of the treatment part 206 are opened and closed via the operating shaft and the driving mechanism.

In addition, the treatment tool 200 is not limited to the forceps, and may be, for example, other treatment tools, such as a laser probe, a suture device, an electric scalpel, a needle holder, an ultrasonic device, and an aspirator.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the overtube 300 allows the endoscope insertion part 102 and the treatment tool insertion part 202, which are inserted thereinto from the proximal end side, to be inserted therethrough and delivered from the distal end side. By inserting the overtube 300 into a body wall and having a proximal end side thereof disposed outside of the body and a distal end side thereof disposed within the body cavity, the endoscope insertion part 102 and the treatment tool insertion part 202 are guided into the body cavity with one overtube 300. Additionally, the overtube 300 includes an interlocking function of moving the endoscope insertion part 102 and the treatment tool insertion part 202 forward and backward in an interlocking manner as will be described below in detail. For example, the endoscope insertion part 102 can also be moved forward and backward by the forward and backward movement operation of only the treatment tool insertion part 202, and a suitable endoscopic image can be obtained without performing the forward and backward movement operation of the endoscope insertion part 102. The details of the configuration and working of the overtube 300 will be described below.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view illustrating the overtube 300.

As illustrated in this drawing, the overtube 300 has an elongated cylindrical shape as a whole, and has an endoscope insertion passage 306 through which the endoscope insertion part 102 of the endoscope 100 is inserted so as to be movable forward and backward, and a treatment tool insertion passage 308 through which the treatment tool insertion part 202 of the treatment tool 200 is inserted so as to be movable forward and backward. These insertion passages are parallel to a reference axis 300 a indicating a longitudinal axis that is a central axis of the overtube.

In a case where a central axis of the endoscope insertion passage 306 is referred to as an endoscope insertion axis 306 a and a central axis of the treatment tool insertion passage 308 is referred to as a treatment tool insertion axis 308 a, the endoscope insertion axis 306 a and the treatment tool insertion axis 308 a are parallel to each other, and is also parallel to the reference axis 300 a. The endoscope insertion axis 306 a and the treatment tool insertion axis 308 a are equivalent to positions of the central axes of the endoscope insertion part 102 and the treatment tool insertion part 202 that are respectively inserted through the endoscope insertion passage 306 and the treatment tool insertion passage 308. Additionally, in the present embodiment, the reference axis 300 a, the endoscope insertion axis 306 a, and the treatment tool insertion axis 308 a are disposed on the same plane. However, a configuration in which the reference axis 300 a, the endoscope insertion axis 306 a, and the treatment tool insertion axis 308 a are disposed on the same plane may not be adopted.

In addition, regarding the position and orientation of a space where the overtube 300 has been disposed, terms called front, rear, left, right, up, and down are used with the orientation from the proximal end surface 302 in a direction along the reference axis 300 a to the distal end surface 304 defined as the forward and with the orientation from the reference axis 300 a to the endoscope insertion axis 306 a defined as the left.

The proximal end surface 302 of the overtube 300 is provided with a first proximal end opening 310 that is a proximal end opening that allows the endoscope insertion part 102 to be inserted into the endoscope insertion passage 306 therethrough, and a second proximal end opening 314 that is proximal end opening that allows the treatment tool insertion part 202 to be inserted into the treatment tool insertion passage 308 therethrough.

The distal end surface 304 of the overtube 300 is provided with a first distal end opening 312 that is a distal end opening that allows the endoscope insertion part 102 to be inserted into the endoscope insertion passage 306 to be and delivered to the outside therethrough, and a second distal end opening 316 that is a distal end opening that allows the treatment tool insertion part 202 to be inserted into the treatment tool insertion passage 308 to be and delivered to the outside therethrough.

Here, before describing the embodiment of the invention with respect to the internal structure of the overtube 300, a reference form serving as a reference for the configuration and working effects of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 13. The embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 14 to 21.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a reference form of the internal structure of the overtube 300, and illustrates a cross section cut in a plane that includes the reference axis 300 a and is orthogonal to an upward-downward direction (cut in a leftward-rightward direction along the reference axis 300 a).

As illustrated in this drawing, the overtube 300 has a long tubular overtube body 320 that occupies substantially the entire area in the forward-backward direction, a proximal end cap 340 that is attached to a rear end (proximal end) of the overtube 300, a distal end cap 360 that is attached to a distal end part, and a slider 400 that is one form of the interlocking member disposed inside the overtube 300.

The long tubular overtube body 320 is formed in an elongated cylindrical shape having the reference axis 300 a as a central axis using hard resins, metals, or the like, and has an outer wall 322 that surrounds an outer periphery, and a cavity part 324 that penetrates from a proximal end of the long tubular overtube body 320 to a distal end thereof.

The cavity part 324 includes spaces serving as the endoscope insertion passage 306 and the treatment tool insertion passage 308, and houses the slider 400 and the like.

The proximal end cap 340 is formed in a columnar shape of which the diameter is made larger than the external diameter of the long tubular overtube body 320 using hard resins, metals, or the like, and a rear end surface thereof constitutes the proximal end surface 302 of the overtube 300. The proximal end cap 340 is provided with a through-hole 342 and a through-hole 344 that form a portion of the endoscope insertion passage 306 and a portion of the treatment tool insertion passage 308, respectively. In the proximal end surface 302, an opening of the through-hole 342 is equivalent to the above-described first proximal end opening 310, and an opening of the through-hole 344 is equivalent to the above-described second proximal end opening 314.

Additionally, the through-holes 342 and 344 are respectively provided with valve members 346 and 348. The valve members 346 and 348, for example, open in a case where the endoscope insertion part 102 and the treatment tool insertion part 202 are inserted therethrough and come into close contact with outer peripheral surfaces (side surfaces) of the endoscope insertion part 102 and the treatment tool insertion part 202 without a substantial gap. This secures the airtightness of spaces closer to the distal end side than the valve members 346 and 348, and reduces the leakage or the like of a pneumoperitoneum gas injected into the body cavity to the outside of the body.

The distal end cap 360 is formed of hard resins, metals, or the like, and a front end surface thereof constitutes the distal end surface 304 of the overtube 300. The distal end cap 360 is provided with a through-hole 362 and a through-hole 364 that form a portion of the endoscope insertion passage 306 and a portion of the treatment tool insertion passage 308, respectively. In the distal end surface 304, an opening of the through-hole 362 is equivalent to the above-described first distal end opening 312, and an opening of the through-hole 364 is equivalent to the second distal end opening 316.

In addition, the long tubular overtube body 320, the proximal end cap 340, and the distal end cap 360 show one form of constituent members that constitutes the overtube 300, and the overtube 300 is not limited to the configuration of the present embodiment. For example, the long tubular overtube body 320 and the proximal end cap 340 or the long tubular overtube body 320 and the distal end cap 360 may be integrally formed, or may be integrally formed in their entirety.

Additionally, the overtube 300 may be a tubular member through which the first insertion part of the first medical instrument and the second insertion part of the second medical instrument are inserted and which guides the first insertion part and the second insertion part into the body cavity.

The slider 400 is housed within (the cavity part 324) the long tubular overtube body 320, and is supported so as to be movable forward and backward in the direction of the reference axis 300 a. The slider 400 shows an embodiment of the interlocking member that is coupled to the endoscope insertion part 102 inserted through the endoscope insertion passage 306 and the treatment tool insertion part 202 inserted through the treatment tool insertion passage 308, and interlocks the endoscope insertion part 102 and the treatment tool insertion part 202 with each other to move these insertion parts forward and backward in the forward-backward direction (axial direction).

Particularly, the slider 400 is an interlocking member that has a non-sensing region where the forward and backward movement of either the endoscope insertion part 102 or the treatment tool insertion part 202 in the forward-backward direction (axial direction) does not interlock with the movement of the other, that is, moves independently and a sensing region where the forward and backward movement of either the endoscope insertion part 102 or the treatment tool insertion part 202 interlocks with the movement of the other, and that changes the relative position of a distal end of the endoscope 100 with respect to a distal end of the treatment tool 200 in the direction of the reference axis 300 a of the overtube 300 in the non-sensing region. That is, the endoscope insertion part 102 is adapted to interlock with the forward and backward movement of the treatment tool insertion part 202 in the axial direction with play by the slider 400.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a portion, in which the slider 400 is disposed in FIG. 4, in an enlarged manner, and illustrates a state where the endoscope insertion part 102 and the treatment tool insertion part 202 have been inserted through the endoscope insertion passage 306 and the treatment tool insertion passage 308, respectively. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view when viewed from arrow VI-VI in FIG. 5.

Additionally, FIGS. 7 and 8 are respectively perspective views illustrating the slider 400 from the rear upper left and from the rear upper right.

As illustrated in these drawings, the slider 400 has a slider body 402 that holds components of the slider 400. As illustrated in FIG. 6, protruding strips 408 and 410 that extend in the direction (forward-backward direction) of the reference axis 300 a are formed on a flat upper surface 404 (refer to FIGS. 7 and 8) and a flat lower surface 406 of the slider body 402.

Meanwhile, a pair of left and right long plate-shaped guide plates 376 and 374 and a pair of left and right long plate-shaped guide plates 376 and 376, which are laid between the proximal end cap 340 and the distal end cap 360 and illustrated in FIG. 6, are respectively supported by an upper part and a lower part within the long tubular overtube body 320, and guide grooves 370 and 372, which extend in the direction of the reference axis 300 a from the proximal end cap 340 to the distal end cap 360, are formed by a gap between the guide plates 374 and 374 and a gap between the guide plates 374 and 376.

The protruding strips 408 and 410 of the slider body 402 are respectively fitted into the guide grooves 370 and 372 within the long tubular overtube body 320, and the upper surface 404 and the lower surface 406 are disposed in a state where these surfaces have contacted or approached the guide plates 374 and 374 and the guide plates 376 and 376.

Accordingly, the slider 400 is supported so as to be movable forward and backward in the forward-backward direction within the long tubular overtube body 320, and is supported in a state where the movement of the slider in the upward-downward direction and in the leftward-rightward direction and the rotation of the slider in all directions (direction around three axes including a forward-backward axis, a leftward-rightward axis, and an upward-downward direction) are restricted (a state where the rotation of the slider around at least the reference axis 300 a is impossible). Additionally, the slider 400 moves forward and backward within a movable range having a position where the slider abuts against the proximal end cap 340 as a rear end, and having a position where the slider abuts against the distal end cap 360 as a front end.

In addition, the guide grooves 370 and 372 may not be formed by the guide plates 374 and 374 and the guide plates 376 and 376 disposed within the long tubular overtube body 320, and may be formed in the outer wall 322 of the long tubular overtube body 320 or may be formed by other configurations.

Additionally, the slider 400, as illustrated in FIG. 4, has a left endoscope coupling part 420 that is coupled to (engaged with) the endoscope insertion part 102, and a right treatment tool coupling part 422 that is coupled to (engaged with) the treatment tool insertion part 202.

The endoscope coupling part 420 provided on the left side of the slider body 402 secures a space serving as the endoscope insertion passage 306, within the long tubular overtube body 320, and as illustrated in FIG. 5, includes a through-hole 424 (refer to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8) into which the endoscope insertion part 102 is inserted, and a pressure-contact member 426 that is fixed to the through-hole 424 and is brought into pressure contact with the outer peripheral surface (side surface) of the endoscope insertion part 102 inserted through the endoscope insertion passage 306.

The pressure-contact member 426 is formed in a cylindrical shape using elastic materials, such as elastic rubber, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, and is fitted into the through-hole 424 of the slider body 402 up to a position coaxial with the through-hole 424 from an opening 430 formed on a left side surface 431 of the slider body 402 and fixed to the slider body 402, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

Accordingly, when the endoscope insertion part 102 has been inserted through the endoscope insertion passage 306, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the endoscope insertion part 102 is inserted through the through-hole 424, and the pressure-contact member 426 is brought into pressure contact with (engaged with) the outer peripheral surface of the endoscope insertion part 102, and the central axis of the endoscope insertion part 102 is disposed coaxially with the endoscope insertion axis 306 a.

The endoscope insertion part 102 and the slider 400 (slider body 402) are coupled to (engaged with) each other in an interlocking manner via the pressure-contact member 426, and the slider 400 (slider body 402) also integrally moves forward and backward in an interlocking manner with the forward and backward movement of the endoscope insertion part 102 in the forward-backward direction (axial direction).

In addition, since the coupling herein is based on the elastic force of the pressure-contact member 426, the engagement position (the position of the endoscope insertion part 102 where the slider 400 is engaged) of the endoscope insertion part 102 coupled to the slider 400 (slider body 402) can be arbitrarily adjusted.

The treatment tool coupling part 422 provided on the right side of the slider body 402 as illustrated in FIG. 4, as illustrated in FIG. 8, includes a sleeve 440 (refer to FIGS. 6 and 8) that is coupled to the treatment tool insertion part 202, and a guide part 460 that guides the sleeve 440 so as to be movable forward and backward in the forward-backward direction.

The sleeve 440, as illustrated in FIG. 6, includes a sleeve body 444 (frame body) formed in a cylindrical shape, and a pressure-contact member 446 fixed to the inside of the sleeve body 444. The pressure-contact member 446 is formed in a cylindrical shape using elastic materials, such as elastic rubber.

Accordingly, when the treatment tool insertion part 202 has been inserted through the treatment tool insertion passage 308, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the treatment tool insertion part 202 is inserted through the inside (the through-hole 450 of FIG. 6) of the pressure-contact member 446, the pressure-contact member 446 is brought into pressure contact with (engaged with) an outer peripheral surface of the treatment tool insertion part 202, and the central axis of the treatment tool insertion part 202 is disposed coaxially with the treatment tool insertion axis 308 a.

The treatment tool insertion part 202 and the sleeve 440 are coupled with each other in an interlocking manner via the pressure-contact member 446, and the sleeve 440 also integrally moves forward and backward in an interlocking manner with the forward and backward movement of the treatment tool insertion part 202 in the forward-backward direction (axial direction).

Additionally, the sleeve 440 also rotates with respect to the slider body 402 in an interlocking manner with the rotation of the treatment tool insertion part 202 around its axis.

In addition, since the coupling between the treatment tool insertion part 202 and the sleeve 440 herein is based on the elastic force of the pressure-contact member 446, the engagement position (the position of the treatment tool insertion part 202 where the sleeve 440 is engaged) of the treatment tool insertion part 202 coupled to the sleeve 440 can be arbitrarily adjusted.

Meanwhile, the guide part 460 of the treatment tool coupling part 422, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 8, is formed by a space surrounded by a guide surface 462 of the slider body 402 that extends in the direction of the reference axis 300 a (treatment tool insertion axis 308 a), within the cavity part 324 of the long tubular overtube body 320, and an inner peripheral surface of the long tubular overtube body 320. The sleeve 440 is housed and disposed in the space of the guide part 460, is supported so as to be movable in the forward-backward direction and rotatable around its axis, and is supported in a state where the movement of the sleeve in the upward-downward direction and in the leftward-rightward direction is restricted.

Additionally, the guide part 460 is provided so as to fall within a range from a proximal end of the slider body 402 to a distal end thereof, and as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 8, has end edge parts 466 and 468, which are formed to protrude in a direction orthogonal to the guide surface 462 along an end edge of the guide surface 462, respectively, on the proximal end side and the distal end side of the slider body 402.

The end edge parts 466 and 468 abut against the end of the sleeve 440 to restrict the movement of the sleeve 440, when the sleeve 440 disposed in the space of the guide part 460 moves forward and backward in the forward-backward direction.

Hence, the sleeve 440 moves forward and backward within a movable range having a position where the sleeve abuts against the end edge part 466 as a rear end, and having a position where the sleeve abuts against the end edge part 468 as a front end.

The working of the slider 400 configured as described above will be described together with the operation when the treatment of a diseased site within a patient's body cavity is performed using the endoscopic surgical device 10.

First, as illustrated in portion (A) of FIG. 12, after the overtube 300 is inserted into a patient's body wall and a pneumoperitoneum gas is injected into a body cavity, the endoscope 100 (endoscope insertion part 102) and the treatment tool 200 (treatment tool insertion part 202) are respectively inserted into the endoscope insertion passage 306 and the treatment tool insertion passage 308 of the overtube 300, and the endoscope insertion part 102 and the treatment tool insertion part 202 are mounted on the overtube 300. In this case, the endoscope insertion part 102 is coupled to the slider body 402 of the slider 400, and the treatment tool insertion part 202 is coupled to the sleeve 440 of the slider 400.

Supposing the state of portion (A) of FIG. 12 is a state where the sleeve 440 reaches neither the front end nor the rear end of the movable range thereof with respect to of the slider body 402 (guide part 460) as illustrated in FIG. 9, in a case where a surgeon minutely moves the treatment tool insertion part 202 forward with his/her hand that is gripping the operating part 204 of the treatment tool 200, the slider body 402 does not move with respect to the overtube 300 (long tubular overtube body 320), but the sleeve 440 moves forward with respect to the slider body 402 within the movable range thereof with respect to the slider body 402. For that reason, with respect to the forward movement of the treatment tool insertion part 202 until the sleeve 440 reaches the front end of the movable range thereof with respect to the slider body 402, as illustrated in portion (B) of FIG. 12, only the treatment tool insertion part 202 moves forward in a state where the endoscope insertion part 102 is stationary. That is, the slider 400 has the non-sensing region where the endoscope insertion part 102 does not interlock with the forward and backward movement of the treatment tool insertion part 202, and the forward movement operation of the treatment tool 200 at this time becomes a forward and backward movement operation of the slider 400 in the non-sensing region.

Similarly, supposing the state of portion (A) of FIG. 12 is a state where the sleeve 440 reaches neither the front end nor the rear end of the movable range thereof with respect to of the slider body 402 (guide part 460) as illustrated FIG. 9, in a case where the surgeon minutely moves the treatment tool insertion part 202 backward with his/her hand that is gripping the operating part 204 of the treatment tool 200, the slider body 402 does not move with respect to the overtube 300 (long tubular overtube body 320), but the sleeve 440 moves backward with respect to the slider body 402 within the movable range thereof with respect to the slider body 402. For that reason, with respect to the backward movement of the treatment tool insertion part 202 until the sleeve 440 reaches the rear end of the movable range thereof with respect to the slider body 402, as illustrated in portion (C) of FIG. 12, only the treatment tool insertion part 202 moves backward in a state where the endoscope insertion part 102 is stationary. That is, the backward movement operation of the treatment tool 200 at this time becomes a backward movement operation of the slider 400 in the non-sensing region.

Hence, since the endoscope 100 does not move forward and backward with respect to the minute forward and backward movement operation of the treatment tool 200, that is, the forward and backward movement operation thereof in the non-sensing region, the range of an observation site, such as a distal end site of the treatment tool 200 or a body cavity inner site, to be displayed on the monitor 112 as an endoscopic image does not change, and the size of an image of the observation site can be prevented from fluctuating according to minute displacement of the treatment tool 200. Accordingly, a sense of perspective can be suitably maintained, and a stable endoscopic image can be provided.

Meanwhile, in a case where the surgeon largely moves the treatment tool insertion part 202 forward with his/her hand that is gripping the operating part 204 of the treatment tool 200 in a state where the sleeve 440 reaches neither the front end nor the rear end of the movable range thereof with respect the slider body 402 as illustrated in FIG. 9, a state where the sleeve 440 reaches the front end of the movable range thereof with respect to the slider body 402 as illustrated in FIG. 10 is brought into after the forward movement of the sleeve 440 of the slider 400 in the non-sensing region until it abuts against the front end of the movable range. Then, in a case where the treatment tool insertion part 202 further moves forward, the sleeve 440 and the slider body 402 moves forward with respect to the long tubular overtube body 320 together with the treatment tool insertion part 202, and the endoscope insertion part 102 moves forward in an interlocking manner with the treatment tool insertion part 202. For that reason, with respect to the forward movement of the treatment tool insertion part 202 after the sleeve 440 reaches the front end of the movable range thereof with respect to the slider body 402, the treatment tool insertion part 202 moves forward in an interlocking manner with the endoscope insertion part 102 as illustrated in portion (B) of FIG. 13, compared to the state of portion (A) of FIG. 13 illustrating the same state as portion (A) of FIG. 12. That is, the slider 400 has the sensing region where the endoscope insertion part 102 interlocks with the forward and backward movement of the treatment tool insertion part 202, and the forward movement operation of the treatment tool 200 at this time becomes a forward movement operation of the slider 400 in the sensing region.

Similarly, in a case where the surgeon largely moves the treatment tool insertion part 202 backward with his/her hand that is gripping the operating part 204 of the treatment tool 200 in a state where the sleeve 440 reaches neither the front end nor the rear end of the movable range thereof with respect the slider body 402 as illustrated in FIG. 9, a state where the sleeve 440 reaches the rear end of the movable range thereof with respect to the slider body 402 as illustrated in FIG. 11 is brought into after the backward movement of the sleeve 440 of the slider 400 in the non-sensing region until it abuts against the rear end of the movable range. Then, in a case where the treatment tool insertion part 202 further moves backward, the sleeve 440 and the slider body 402 moves backward with respect to the long tubular overtube body 320 together with the treatment tool insertion part 202, and the endoscope insertion part 102 moves backward in an interlocking manner with the treatment tool insertion part 202. For that reason, with respect to the backward movement of the treatment tool insertion part 202 after the sleeve 440 reaches the rear end of the movable range thereof with respect to the slider body 402, as illustrated in portion (C) of FIG. 13, the endoscope insertion part 102 moves backward in an interlocking manner with the treatment tool insertion part 202. That is, the backward movement operation of the treatment tool 200 at this time becomes a backward movement operation of the slider 400 in the sensing region.

Hence, since the endoscope 100 moves forward and backward with respect to a large forward and backward movement operation of the treatment tool 200, that is, the forward and backward movement operation thereof in the sensing region, the range of an observation site that appears in an endoscopic image to be displayed on the monitor 112 is continuously changed so as to follow the forward and backward movement of the treatment tool 200. Since the size of images of observation sites other than the distal end site of the treatment tool 200 that appears in the endoscopic image according to the operation of the treatment tool 200, and the size of the range of the observation site changes, the surgeon can simply obtain a desired image.

As described above, in a case where the displacement of the treatment tool insertion part 202 in the axial direction is large (in a case where a large amplitude of forward and backward movement operation has been performed) when a surgeon has moved the treatment tool insertion part 202 forward and backward in the axial direction, the endoscope insertion part 102 also moves forward and backward in an interlocking manner in the forward-backward direction, in the upward-downward direction and in the rightward-leftward direction. Thus, the visual field, orientation, and the like of the endoscope 100 can be changed as intended by a surgeon. Additionally, the visual field is always given to pick up an image of the distal end site of the treatment tool 200 and consequently, an image that is optimal for treatment is automatically provided. In a case where it is desired to check sites other than a site to be treated, the checking can be performed by moving the treatment tool insertion part 202, and a surgeon can perform operations as desired. Hence, an assistant (endoscopic technician) who operates the endoscope 100 apart from the surgeon can be made unnecessary, and a troublesome condition in which the surgeon should instruct an assistant about the visual field, orientation, and the like of the endoscope 100 serially can be eliminated.

Additionally, in a case where the displacement of the treatment tool insertion part 202 in the axial direction is small (in a case where a small amplitude of forward and backward movement operation has been performed), the endoscope insertion part 102 does not interlock. Therefore, an endoscopic image can be prevented from fluctuating unnecessarily, a sense of perspective can be suitably maintained, and a stable endoscopic image can be provided.

Next, the internal structure of the overtube 300 of the embodiment of the invention will be described. Although the above reference form adopts the slider 400 as the interlocking member that interlocks the endoscope insertion part 102 and the treatment tool insertion part 202, an interlocking member that is an interlocking member having a simple configuration with respect to the slider 400 and exhibits the same effects as those of the slider 400 is adopted in the embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of an interlocking member 600 of the embodiment of the invention in a cross section of the overtube 300 cut along the reference axis 300 a, and FIG. 15 is an enlarged view illustrating a peripheral part of the interlocking member 600 in FIG. 14 in an enlarged manner. Additionally, FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view when viewed from arrow XVI-XVI in FIG. 15.

In addition, in the overtube 300 in which the interlocking member 600 of the present embodiment is built, the same reference signs are given to members having functions that are the same as or similar to those of the overtube 300 in which the slider 400 of the above reference form is built. Additionally, FIG. 15 illustrates a state where the endoscope insertion part 102 and the treatment tool insertion part 202 are inserted through the endoscope insertion passage 306 and the treatment tool insertion passage 308 of the overtube 300.

As illustrated in these drawings, the interlocking member 600 has a first sleeve 602 serving as a first holding part holding the endoscope insertion part 102 inserted through the endoscope insertion passage 306 of the overtube 300, a second sleeve 604 serving as a second holding part holding the treatment tool insertion part 202 inserted through the treatment tool insertion passage 308 of the overtube 300, and a coupling member 606 that couples the second sleeve 604 and the first sleeve 602 together.

The first sleeve 602, for example, has a sleeve body 620 that is a frame configured similar to the sleeve 440 in the slider 400 of the above embodiment, for example, and formed in a cylindrical shape as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, and a pressure-contact member 622 that is fixed inside the sleeve body 620 and formed in a cylindrical shape using an elastic material.

Similarly, the second sleeve 604 also has a sleeve body 640 that is a frame formed in a cylindrical shape as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, and a pressure-contact member 642 that is fixed inside the sleeve body 640 and formed in a cylindrical shape using an elastic material.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 16, in an upper part and a lower part of the inside (the inside of a long tubular overtube body 320) of the overtube 300, similar to the guide grooves 370 and 372 formed by the guide plates 374 and 374 and the guide plates 376 and 376 illustrated in FIG. 6, guide plates 660, 662, and 664 and guide plates 666, 668, and 670 that extend in the direction of the reference axis 300 a are stretched between the proximal end cap 340 and the distal end cap 360, and guide grooves 672 and 674 and guide grooves 676 and 678 that extend in the direction of the reference axis 300 a is formed by the guide plates 660, 662, and 664 and the guide plates 666, 668, and 670.

Meanwhile, protruding strips 680 and 682 that extend in the direction (forward-backward direction) of the axis 300 a are formed at an upper part and a lower part of an outer peripheral surface of the first sleeve 602 (sleeve body 620).

The protruding strips 680 and 682 are respectively fitted into the guide grooves 672 and 676, and are disposed in a state where the outer peripheral surface of the first sleeve 602 has contacted or approached the guide plates 660, 662, 666, and 668.

Similarly, protruding strips 684 and 686 that extend in the direction (forward-backward direction) of the axis 300 a are formed at an upper part and a lower part of an outer peripheral surface of the second sleeve 604 (sleeve body 640).

The protruding strips 684 and 686 are respectively fitted into the guide grooves 674 and 678, and are disposed in a state where the outer peripheral surface of the second sleeve 604 has contacted or approached the guide plates 662, 664, 668, and 670.

Accordingly, the first sleeve 602 has its central axis disposed substantially coaxially with the endoscope insertion axis 306 a and is supported so as to be movable forward and backward in the forward-backward direction and so as not to be rotatable around its central axis.

Additionally, the second sleeve 604 has its central axis disposed substantially coaxially with the treatment tool insertion axis 308 a and is supported so as to be movable forward and backward in the forward-backward direction and so as not to be rotatable around its central axis.

In addition, the mechanism that supports the first sleeve 602 and the second sleeve 604 so as to be movable forward and backward in the direction of the reference axis 300 a of the overtube 300 may be different from that of the present embodiment.

According to such first sleeve 602 and the second sleeve 604, when the endoscope insertion part 102 is inserted through the endoscope insertion passage 306 as illustrated in FIG. 15, the endoscope insertion part 102 is inserted through a through-hole 602 a (the through-hole 602 a on an inner peripheral side of the pressure-contact member 622, refer to FIG. 16) of the first sleeve 602, and the pressure-contact member 622 is brought into pressure contact with (engaged with) the outer peripheral surface of the endoscope insertion part 102. Accordingly, the first sleeve 602 and the endoscope insertion part 102 are coupled together.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 15, when the treatment tool insertion part 202 is inserted through the treatment tool insertion passage 308, the treatment tool insertion part 202 is inserted through a through-hole 604 a (the through-hole 604 a on an inner peripheral side of the pressure-contact member 642, refer to FIG. 16) of the second sleeve 604, and the pressure-contact member 642 is brought into pressure contact with (engaged with) the outer peripheral surface of the treatment tool insertion part 202. Accordingly, the second sleeve 604 and the treatment tool insertion part 202 are coupled together.

The coupling member 606 is, for example, a corded flexible member having non-stretchability and flexibility, and as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, one first end part 606 a is fixed to the first sleeve 602 serving as a first fixing part, and the other second end part 606 b is fixed to the second sleeve 604 serving as a second fixing part.

Additionally, the first end part 606 a is fixed to, for example, a right side part of the outer peripheral surface of the first sleeve 602 in the vicinity of the center thereof in the forward-backward direction, and the second end part 606 b is fixed to, for example, a left side part of the outer peripheral surface of the second sleeve 604 in the vicinity of the center thereof in the forward-backward direction.

However, a first fixed position in the first sleeve 602 to which the first end part 606 a is fixed, and a second fixed position in the second sleeve 604 to which the second end part 606 b is fixed are not limited to specific positions.

The coupling member 606 has a slack part in which slack (deflection) occurs between the first end part 606 a and the second end part 606 b in a state where the positions of the first end part 606 a and the second end part 606 b coincide with each other in the forward-backward direction. Although the present embodiment is a form in which the entire coupling member 606 becomes the slack part, a form in which a portion of the coupling member 606 is made of a non-deformable hard member or a form in which only a portion of the coupling member 606 becomes the slack part may be adopted.

In a case where the distance in the forward-backward direction between the first end part 606 a and the second end part 606 b of the coupling member 606 becomes large due to a change in the relative positions of the first sleeve 602 and the second sleeve 604 in the forward-backward direction, the slack part is stretched to generate a tensile force between the first end part 606 a and the second end part 606 b.

In addition, as for the slack part of the coupling member 606, the slack part is in a slacked state when a minimum length Lmin of the slack part required when coupling the first fixed position of the first sleeve 602, to which the first end part 606 a is fixed, and the second fixed position of the second sleeve 604, to which the second end part 606 b is fixed, together using the coupling member 606 is shorter than an actual length L of the slack part, and the slack part is brought into a stretched state when Lmin coincides with L.

Additionally, in the coupling member 606 of the embodiment of the invention, the length from the first end part 606 a to the second end part 606 b is longer than the shortest distance between the endoscope insertion part 102 and the treatment tool insertion part 202 inside the overtube 300 and is shorter than the length of the overtube 300 in the direction of the reference axis 300 a.

According to the above interlocking member 600, the state of the slack part of the coupling member 606 changes as described above depending on the relative movement in the forward-backward direction between the first sleeve 602 and the second sleeve 604, and the coupling member 606 changes between a relaxed state and a tensioned state. That is, the coupling member 606 changes between the relaxed state in a state where the slack part is slacked and the tensioned state in a state where the slack part is stretched.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, when the relationship of the relative positions of the first sleeve 602 and the second sleeve 604 in the forward-backward direction is a positional relationship in which the coupling member 606 is brought into the relaxed state, a non-interlocked state where the first sleeve 602 and the second sleeve 604 move independently is brought about.

On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 17 or 18, when the relationship of the relative positions of the first sleeve 602 and the second sleeve 604 in the forward-backward direction is a positional relationship in which the coupling member 606 is brought into the tensioned state, an interlocked state where either the first sleeve 602 or the second sleeve 604 moves in an interlocking manner with the movement of the other is brought about.

Accordingly, the interlocking member 600 exhibits the same working effects as the slider 400 of the above reference form.

That is, the interlocking member 600 is coupled to the endoscope insertion part 102 inserted through the endoscope insertion passage 306 of the overtube 300 and the treatment tool insertion part 202 inserted through the treatment tool insertion passage 308, has the non-sensing region where the forward and backward movement of either the endoscope insertion part or the treatment tool insertion part in the forward-backward direction (axial direction) does not interlock with the movement of the other and the sensing region where the forward and backward movement of either the endoscope insertion part or the treatment tool insertion part interlocks with the movement of the other, and acts to change the relative position of the distal end of the endoscope 100 with respect to the distal end of the treatment tool 200 in the direction of the reference axis 300 a of the overtube 300 in the non-sensing region.

In addition, the state in FIG. 9 of the slider 400 of the above embodiment is equivalent to the state in FIG. 15 of the interlocking member 600 of the present embodiment. In this state, as in portion (B) of FIG. 12 or portion (C) of FIG. 12 with respect to portion (A) of FIG. 12, a state where the endoscope insertion part 102 is stationary with respect to the minute forward and backward movement of the treatment tool insertion part 202 is maintained.

In addition, the states in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 of the slider 400 of the above embodiment are respectively equivalent to the states in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 of the interlocking member 600 of the present embodiment. In these states, as in portion (B) of FIG. 13 or portion (C) of FIG. 13 with respect to portion (A) of FIG. 13, the endoscope insertion part 102 also moves forward and backward in an interlocking manner with the forward and backward movement of the treatment tool insertion part 202.

In addition, since the interlocking member 600 of the embodiment of the invention has a simpler configuration than a case where the interlocking member is the above slider 400, cost reduction, simplification in configuration, reduction in diameter, and the like of the overtube 300 can be achieved.

As described above, in the interlocking member 600 of the embodiment of the invention, the coupling member 606 is the non-stretchable, corded flexible member. However, the coupling member 606 may change between the relaxed state and the tensioned state according to a change in the relative positions of the first sleeve 602 and the second sleeve 604 even in a case where the coupling member not corded. For example, the coupling member 606 may be beltlike as illustrated in FIG. 19. In this case, the coupling member 606 is disposed such that the coupling member 606 is deformable in a direction perpendicular to the upward-downward direction.

Additionally, in the interlocking member 600 of the embodiment of the invention, the coupling member 606 directly couples the first sleeve 602 and the second sleeve 604 together. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the first sleeve 602 and the second sleeve 604 may be coupled together such that switching is made from the relaxed state to the tensioned state when either the first sleeve 602 and the second sleeve 604 has moved forward or moved backward relative to the other.

For example, as for a coupling member 700 illustrated in FIG. 20, in the upper part or the lower part of the inside of the overtube 300, hanging members 702, 704, 706, and 708 are provided at positions between the proximal end side and the distal end side along the endoscope insertion passage 306 and the treatment tool insertion passage 308, respectively, and a corded or beltlike coupling member 700 is hung over the hanging members 702, 704, 706, and 708 in a figure-eight shape.

The first sleeve 602 is fixed to a portion of the coupling member 700, which is hung between the hanging member 702 and between hanging member 704, and the second sleeve 604 is fixed to a portion of the coupling member 700, which is hung between the hanging member 706 and the hanging member 708.

Additionally, when the positions of the first sleeve 602 and the second sleeve 604 in the forward-backward direction are in a specific positional relationship (for example, when these positions coincide with each other), these positions are set such that the entire coupling member 700 is brought into the relaxed state. In a case where either the first sleeve 602 or the second sleeve 604 receives another side moves forward ore moves backward relative to the other with respect to such a state, one of two sections of the coupling member 700 that couples the first sleeve 602 and the second sleeve 604 together is brought into the tensioned state. As a result, the first sleeve 602 and the second sleeve 604 move in an interlocking manner. For example, in a case where the second sleeve 604 moves forward through the forward movement of the treatment tool insertion part 202, a portion of the coupling member 700, which extends from the second sleeve 604 to the proximal end side and is coupled to the first sleeve 602 via the hanging member 706 and the hanging member 704, is brought into the tensioned state. Accordingly, the first sleeve 602 also moves forward in an interlocking manner with the forward movement of the second sleeve 604.

Additionally, in the interlocking member 600 of the embodiment of the invention, the rotation of the first sleeve 602 and the second sleeve 604 around their respective central axes, and the rotation of the endoscope insertion part 102 is restricted and the treatment tool insertion part 202 coupled to these sleeves around their axes is also restricted. In contrast, any one or both of the endoscope insertion part 102 and the treatment tool insertion part 202 around its axis may be rotatable.

For example, it is preferable that the rotation the treatment tool insertion part 202 around its axis is possible. In that case, the second sleeve 604 may be configured as illustrated in a cross-sectional view of FIG. 21. In this drawing, the second sleeve 604 is constituted of the above-described cylindrical sleeve body 640, a cylindrical intermediate frame 720 that is rotatably supported around its central axis with respect to the sleeve body 640 on the inner peripheral side of the sleeve body 640, and the above-described cylindrical pressure-contact member 642 that is fixed to the inner peripheral side of the intermediate frame 720.

In addition, the first sleeve 602 may be configured similar to the second sleeve 604 of FIG. 21.

Additionally, in the overtube 300 of the above embodiment, the reference axis 300 a, the endoscope insertion axis 306 a, and the treatment tool insertion axis 308 a are parallel to each other. However, at least one of the endoscope insertion axis 306 a or the treatment tool insertion axis 308 a may be inclined (non-parallel) with respect to the reference axis 300 a.

For example, in a case where a plane including the reference axis 300 a having a normal line in the upward-downward direction is referred to as a horizontal reference plane and a plane including the reference axis 300 a and having a normal line in the leftward-rightward direction is referred to as a vertical reference plane, the reference axis 300 a, the endoscope insertion axis 306 a and the treatment tool insertion axis 308 a are all parallel to each other on the horizontal reference plane in a case where the endoscope insertion axis 306 a and the treatment tool insertion axis 308 a are projected on the horizontal reference plane. And although the reference axis 300 a and the treatment tool insertion axis 308 a are parallel to each other on the vertical reference plane in a case where the endoscope insertion axis 306 a and the treatment tool insertion axis 308 a are projected on the vertical reference plane, a form may be adopted in which the reference axis 300 a and the endoscope insertion axis 306 a are not parallel to each other and the endoscope insertion axis 306 a is inclined obliquely, for example, toward a front upper side from a rear lower side.

Accordingly, the overtube 300 guides the endoscope insertion part 102 in an oblique direction with respect to a guiding direction of the treatment tool insertion part 202, and increases the spacing between the observation part (observation window 116) of the distal end of the endoscope insertion part 102 and the treatment part 206 of the distal end of the treatment tool insertion part 202 in order to prevent a distal end portion of the treatment part 206 of the distal end of the treatment tool insertion part 202 from becoming a dead area so that the distal end of the treatment part 206 can be visually recognized on an observation image.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCES

10: endoscopic surgical device

100: endoscope

102: endoscope insertion part

104: cable part

108: processor device

110: light source device

112: monitor

116: observation window

118: illumination window

200: treatment tool

202: treatment tool insertion part

204: operating part

206: treatment part

300: overtube

300 a: reference axis

302: proximal end surface

304: distal end surface

306: endoscope insertion passage

306 a: endoscope insertion axis

308: treatment tool insertion passage

308 a: treatment tool insertion axis

310: first proximal end opening

312: first distal end opening

314: second proximal end opening

316: second distal end opening

320: long tubular overtube body

322: outer wall

324: cavity part

340: proximal end cap

342, 344: through-hole

346, 348: valve member

360: distal end cap

362, 364: through-hole

370, 372: guide groove

374, 376: guide plate

400: slider

402: slider body

404: upper surface

406: lower surface

408, 410: protruding strip

420: endoscope coupling part

422: treatment tool coupling part

424: through-hole

426: pressure-contact member

430: opening

431: left side surface

440: sleeve

444: sleeve body

446: pressure-contact member

450: through-hole

460: guide part

462: guide surface

466, 468: end edge part

600: interlocking member

602: first sleeve

602 a: through-hole

604: second sleeve

604 a: through-hole

606: coupling member

606 a: first end part

606 b: second end part

620, 640: sleeve body

622, 642: pressure-contact member

660, 662, 664, 666, 668, 670: guide plate

672, 674, 676, 678: guide groove

680, 682, 684, 686: protruding strip

700: coupling member

702, 704, 706, 708: hanging member 

What is claimed is:
 1. An endoscopic surgical device comprising: a first medical instrument having a first insertion part; a second medical instrument having a second insertion part; a tubular overtube allowing the first insertion part and the second insertion part to be inserted therethrough and guiding the first insertion part and the second insertion part into a body cavity; a first sleeve that is disposed inside the overtube, holds the first insertion part inserted through the inside of the overtube, and moves in an axial direction of the overtube in a state where the first insertion part is held; a second sleeve that is disposed inside the overtube, holds the second insertion part inserted through the inside of the overtube, and moves in the axial direction of the overtube in a state where the second insertion part is held; and a coupling member that couples the first and second sleeves together, wherein the coupling member has a first end fixed to the first sleeve and a second end fixed to the second sleeve, the coupling member changes between a relaxed state and a tensioned state depending on a change in relative positions of the first sleeve and the second sleeve, wherein the first sleeve and the second sleeve move independently when the coupling member is in the relaxed state, and either the first sleeve or the second sleeve moves in an interlocking manner with the movement of the other when the coupling member is in the tensioned state.
 2. The endoscopic surgical device according to claim 1, wherein the coupling member is a flexible member.
 3. The endoscopic surgical device according to claim 2, wherein the flexible member is a corded or beltlike member.
 4. The endoscopic surgical device according to claim 1, wherein the first medical instrument is an endoscope in which an observation part is provided at a distal end of the first insertion part, and wherein the second medical instrument is a treatment tool in which a treatment part is provided at a distal end of the second insertion part.
 5. An endoscopic surgical device comprising: a first medical instrument having a first insertion part; a second medical instrument having a second insertion part; a tubular overtube allowing the first insertion part and the second insertion part to be inserted therethrough and guiding the first insertion part and the second insertion part into a body cavity; a first sleeve that is disposed inside the overtube, holds the first insertion part inserted through the inside of the overtube, and moves in an axial direction of the overtube in a state where the first insertion part is held; a second sleeve that is disposed inside the overtube, holds the second insertion part inserted through the inside of the overtube, and moves in the axial direction of the overtube in a state where the second insertion part is held; and a coupling member that has a first end fixed to the first sleeve and a second end fixed to the second sleeve, has a slack part between the first end and the second end, and gives a tensile force to between the first end and the second end when relative positions of the first end and the second end change and the slack part is stretched.
 6. The endoscopic surgical device according to claim 5, wherein the coupling member is a flexible member.
 7. The endoscopic surgical device according to claim 6, wherein the flexible member is a corded or beltlike member.
 8. The endoscopic surgical device according to claim 5, wherein the first medical instrument is an endoscope in which an observation part is provided at a distal end of the first insertion part, and wherein the second medical instrument is a treatment tool in which a treatment part is provided at a distal end of the second insertion part.
 9. A guide device comprising: a tubular overtube having a first insertion part of a first medical instrument and a second insertion part of a second medical instrument inserted therethrough and guiding the first insertion part and the second insertion part into a body cavity; a first sleeve that is disposed inside the overtube, holds the first insertion part inserted through the inside of the overtube, and moves in an axial direction of the overtube in a state where the first insertion part is held; a second sleeve that is disposed inside the overtube, holds the second insertion part inserted through the inside of the overtube, and moves in the axial direction of the overtube in a state where the second insertion part is held; and a coupling member that couples the first and second sleeves together, wherein the coupling member has a first end fixed to the first sleeve and a second end fixed to the second sleeve, the coupling member changes between a relaxed state and a tensioned state depending on a change in relative positions of the first sleeve and the second sleeve, wherein the first sleeve and the second sleeve move independently when the coupling member is in the relaxed state, and either the first sleeve or the second sleeve moves in an interlocking manner with the movement of the other when the coupling member is in the tensioned state.
 10. The endoscopic surgical device according to claim 9, wherein the coupling member is a flexible member.
 11. The endoscopic surgical device according to claim 10, wherein the flexible member is a corded or beltlike member.
 12. A guide device comprising: a tubular overtube having a first insertion part of a first medical instrument and a second insertion part of a second medical instrument inserted therethrough and guiding the first insertion part and the second insertion part into a body cavity; a first sleeve that is disposed inside the overtube, holds the first insertion part inserted through the inside of the overtube, and moves in an axial direction of the overtube in a state where the first insertion part is held; a second sleeve that is disposed inside the overtube, holds the second insertion part inserted through the inside of the overtube, and moves in the axial direction of the overtube in a state where the second insertion part is held; and a coupling member that has a first end fixed to the first sleeve and a second end fixed to the second sleeve, has a slack part between the first end and the second end, and gives a tensile force to between the first end and the second end when relative positions of the first end and the second end change and the slack part is stretched.
 13. The endoscopic surgical device according to claim 12, wherein the coupling member is a flexible member.
 14. The endoscopic surgical device according to claim 13, wherein the flexible member is a corded or beltlike member.
 15. An endoscopic surgical device comprising: a first medical instrument having a first insertion part; a second medical instrument having a second insertion part; a tubular overtube allowing the first insertion part and the second insertion part to be inserted therethrough and guiding the first insertion part and the second insertion part into a body cavity; a first sleeve that is disposed inside the overtube, holds the first insertion part inserted through the inside of the overtube, and moves in an axial direction of the overtube in a state where the first insertion part is held; a second sleeve that is disposed inside the overtube, holds the second insertion part inserted through the inside of the overtube, and moves in the axial direction of the overtube in a state where the second insertion part is held; and a coupling member that has a first end fixed to the first sleeve and a second end fixed to the second sleeve, the coupling member changes between a relaxed state and a tensioned state depending on a change in relative positions of the first sleeve and the second sleeve, wherein the first sleeve and the second sleeve move independently when the coupling member is in the relaxed state, and either the first sleeve or the second sleeve moves in an interlocking manner with the movement of the other when the coupling member is in the tensioned state, wherein the coupling member is a flexible member, and wherein the flexible member is a corded or beltlike member. 